With England yet to replace Gareth Southgate with a permanent manager, Pep Guardiola’s name has been touted as one who could emerge as his long-term successor.
It was reported on Tuesday that Guardiola fits the bill for the FA as England’s next manager — with the Manchester City boss believed to admire the Three Lions’ team as well.
It was claimed in July that the FA are willing to wait until 2025 for Pep Guardiola to take the England job — with their initial plan having been to appoint Lee Carsley on an interim basis.
The late Sven Goran-Eriksson tipped Guardiola for the England job — emphasising that hiring him would be a “statement” appointment from the FA.
Pep Guardiola opened the door to managing England — initially confirming that he is not their next manager before going on to admit that “anything can happen in life.”
The uncertainty surrounding the Manchester City tactician’s future has meant the rumour mill has been in overdrive regarding his next job.
Thomas Tuchel talks to become England manager rule Pep Guardiola out
Having managed the likes of Phil Foden, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis and Kalvin Phillips, the Catalan manager has always seemed like a natural fit for the Three Lions job.
Guardiola understands English football in a way not many do — considering he has managed in the Premier League for almost a decade while having been dominant as well.
However, Sky Sports have reported that Thomas Tuchel is the FA’s “primary choice:” to become the next England manager and if talks progress well — he could be handed the job relatively quickly. Pep Guardiola is not considered an “active candidate” as there have been developments since the FA sent him an enquiry to succeed Gareth Southgate after he resigned from his role after Euro 2024.
Furthermore, the FA’s technical John McDermott is believed to be looking to appoint a manager with a proven track record of winning trophies; a criteria that Tuchel fulfils in the same vein as Guardiola.
The German has won the Champions League with Chelsea, two Ligue 1 titles at Paris Saint-Germain, the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich, the DFB-Pokal at Borussia Dortmund and several other pieces of silverware.
In December last year, journalist Guillem Balague claimed Guardiola could manage England after leaving City at the end of his contract in 2025.
But last week, it was claimed that Manchester City feel Pep Guardiola will sign a new contract.
Guardiola effectively snubbed England manager job in 2017
Alan Pardew named Guardiola as his dream England manager — much like several others who commented on Gareth Southgate’s potential heir.
However, Pep Guardiola effectively rejected the England job in 2017 — as his statement could reveal why he has not said yes to the vacancy.
“Always, I believe in the English people has to be manager for the national team, the Brazilian people has to be manager for the Brazilian team.”
If Thomas Tuchel does go on to secure the Three Lions job, he could showcase in one way how keen the FA seemed to appoint Pep Guardiola by hiring only the third foreign manager in their history after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
In January, Guardiola hinted he could extend his contract at Manchester City — which could be another reason why he has not accepted the FA’s reported offer.
City supporters will be delighted that as things stand, Tuchel seems to be the favourite to land the England job — which is one of the most high-profile opportunities a manager could take on.
